FG Rolls Out Mass Measles Rubella Vaccination for 43 Million Southern Children
The Nigeria measles rubella vaccination campaign has entered a critical new phase as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to protect millions of children across the southern states. Beginning in late January 2026, the nationwide public health drive aims to immunize 43 million children between the ages of nine months and fifteen years, marking one of the largest child focused vaccination efforts in the country’s history. The campaign is being led by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency with technical support from the World Health Organization.
The second phase of the exercise is currently underway in eight southern states Lagos Ogun Ondo Ekiti Osun Edo Delta and Bayelsa. Health officials say the expansion is designed to close lingering immunity gaps and push Nigeria closer to the complete elimination of measles and rubella which remain major causes of childhood illness and preventable deaths.
This rollout builds on the success recorded during the first phase conducted in 2025 across nineteen northern states and Oyo State where more than 59 million children were vaccinated. With the focus now shifting southward authorities believe nationwide coverage is within reach if community participation remains strong.
One of the defining strengths of the 2026 campaign is its integrated approach to child health. Beyond delivering the combined measles rubella vaccine the exercise is also strengthening routine immunization systems. In Ondo State for example health officials have used the campaign platform to introduce the malaria vaccine offering additional protection for children in high risk areas.
To ensure smooth implementation the World Health Organization has deployed over forty technical experts to support real time supervision across participating states. Their work includes detailed micro planning to reach riverine and hard to access communities training thousands of frontline health workers and maintaining strict cold chain standards to preserve vaccine quality from storage to administration points.
Political leadership has played a visible role in driving awareness and confidence. Governors first ladies and senior state officials have led flag off ceremonies reinforcing the message that every child matters. In Lagos alone the week long vaccination drive which runs from January 27 to February 5 is targeting over ten million children. Osun State authorities have also reaffirmed their commitment insisting that no child should be left behind given the serious complications associated with measles and rubella including blindness birth defects and early childhood death.
Community engagement has been central to the campaign’s success. Traditional rulers religious leaders women groups and local influencers have worked with health teams to combat misinformation and encourage participation. In Ekiti State respected elders have shared personal accounts of losses suffered in the past helping families understand the lifesaving value of modern vaccines.
Nigeria remains a priority country in the global effort to eliminate measles and rubella. By transitioning from a single measles vaccine to the combined measles rubella shot the country is aligning with global best practices and reducing the risk of Congenital Rubella Syndrome which causes severe lifelong disabilities in newborns.
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As this phase progresses health authorities are already preparing for the final stream which will cover remaining southern states. The objective is to build a nationwide wall of immunity before the end of 2026. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit nearby health facilities mobile clinics or school based vaccination centers to ensure every eligible child is protected.